Baptism

What is this Waypoint?

Baptism is an exciting step in a child’s faith journey. As parents, you have the unique privilege of helping your child understand what it means to follow Jesus and publicly declare their faith through baptism.

What Is Baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It does not save us, but it shows others that we have trusted in Jesus and belong to Him.

When someone is baptized, it pictures:

  • Jesus’ death and resurrection
  • Our old life being buried with Christ
  • Our new life in Jesus
  • A public declaration that we follow Him
  • An act of obedience in our walk with Christ

The Bible teaches that baptism is an important step of obedience for every believer.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” — Matthew 28:19

Fellowship’s Doctrinal Statement About Baptism:

Water baptism is a God-ordained ceremony, instituted by Christ, taught by the Apostles, and practiced by the early Church. It is to be observed by believers until Christ returns. This ordinance reflects our union with Christ and with other believers.

Water baptism portrays important scriptural realities. It proclaims Christ’s death and resurrection. It serves public notice to the world of one’s new life in Christ. It pictures a believer’s death to sin, resurrection to spiritual life, and a new way of living through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism does not save, yet every believer, serious in his or her faith, should also be serious about baptism. The command of Scripture is “be baptized.” By it, we both please the Lord and declare His reality in our lives and to the world.

Scripture References:
 Matthew 10:32; Matthew 28:19–20; Romans 6:3–7, 10–11; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

Questions to Discuss at Home:

Here are a few helpful questions to guide conversations with your child:

  • What does it mean to follow Jesus?
  • Have you personally trusted Jesus as your Savior?
  • Why do you want to be baptized?
  • What do you think baptism represents?
  • How can baptism help you share your faith with others?

Next Steps: 

As you talk together, listen carefully to your child’s understanding of the gospel and their relationship with Jesus. Children do not need to have all the answers, but they should understand:

  • Sin separates us from God
  • Jesus died and rose again for us
  • Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone
  • Baptism is an act of obedience, a picture of what God has done for us, and a proclamation of one's faith publicly

We encourage parents to continue praying with their child and celebrating what God is doing in their life during this season.

At Fellowship, baptisms take place on the 3rd full weekend of every month. If your child is interested in being baptized, we ask both parents and children to attend our baptism class together. This class helps families understand the meaning of baptism and creates space for continued conversations at home before taking this important next step. Our baptism class is held quarterly. Please check the events page to register.